Crake Hill

The walk up Crake Hill from Settle takes about an hour, and you'll spend most of it thinking the summit can't be far now. It is. The fell itself is modest - nothing like the dramatic peaks you see from the town - but that's partly what makes it worthwhile. There's real satisfaction in reaching the top without needing proper climbing gear or an early start.

Once up, the views across Ribblesdale are genuinely impressive. You can see across to Pen-y-ghent and the broader sweep of the Pennines, which puts into perspective just how much limestone country surrounds Settle. On a clear day, it's the sort of place where you understand why people move to the Dales.

This suits walkers more than anyone else. It's not a casual stroll - proper boots are worth it - but it's not a technical scramble either. Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might find the steady gradient tedious. The route's straightforward enough that you won't need a guide, though an OS map is sensible.

If you're staying at Ribblesdale Pods or Philpin Farm - both excellent choices a few miles south - Crake Hill works as a proper morning's walk without eating your entire day. Combine it with exploring Settle's market square and you've got a solid twenty-four hours. The fell is free to walk, naturally, and there's parking near the trailhead. Go midweek if you can; weekends bring crowds from all over Yorkshire.